Curator’s statement
Visiting Costa Rica is like naturally maximizing saturation on life, and the world bursts into color. Deep emerald jungles hum with life. Vibrant ruby-red bamboo reaches toward the sky and crisp chartreuse leaves glisten under golden sunlight. On my last trip, I explored with local experts who unveiled an exclusive side of Costa Rica: secluded beachfront villas, rainforest lodges and boutique stays infused with warm Tico hospitality. Every destination felt deeply personal, designed not just for luxury but for connection: to nature, culture and the joy of Pura Vida living.
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Where to stay in Costa Rica
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Things to do in Costa Rica
My friendly horse, Pinto.
Practice Yoga: Yoga shalas are practically synonymous with Costa Rica, and most accommodations provide complimentary yoga classes. Origins’ Lodge features an indoor-outdoor shala with a living roof. Pasha Villa has a beachfront open-air shala with views of the waves and El Silencio has a full multi-functional yoga studio and wellness center. It’s the perfect TLC after a long flight.
Go Horseback Riding in the Wild: Enjoy a horseback ride to a local waterfall at Origins Lodge, an oasis tucked into the Costa Rican forest near the Nicaragua border. The horses are stabled on site and have names like Pinto and Blanco, and they all love interacting with the guests! Or, at Kura Boutique Hotel, explore the beach and the mangroves on horseback, visiting the 1250-acre Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
Experience a Wildlife Tour: Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse and eco-conscious countries in the world, so explore the forests with a certified guide. Eco-guides in Costa Rica must complete a rigorous standard of tests to become certified, so you’ll benefit from their sharp eyes when spotting sloths, colorful frogs, toucans and countless other wildlife! All of the hotels mentioned above have guides on staff who can customize your exploration to your specific interests.
Indulge in the Spa: After exploring the forest on foot or horseback, indulge in a massage or facial (or both). Experience Origins’ individual spa huts with living roofs and private bathtubs, Kura’s deep stone baths and secluded open-air spa or El Silencio’s expansive rejuvenating sanctuary.
Whale and Dolphin Watching: Perfectly perched high on a hill overlooking the beach, Kura Boutique hotel provides an ideal vantage point for whale and dolphin viewing during the migrant season (July–October). If you’d like to get closer, they also offer a tour where they’ll take you down to the beach and provide supplies to best spot breaching whales and pods of dolphins, followed by snorkeling.
Simply Relax: Unless you live in a rainforest, it’s not often that you’ll get to experience the beauty of the verdant environment. These hotels are designed to balance adventure with relaxation, so block out a “nothing” couple of hours to enjoy your accommodations like private outdoor jacuzzis, colorful kitchen gardens and terraces with 180-degree views of the forest and beyond.
Places to eat & drink in Costa Rica
Origins Lodge - This Relais & Chateaux hotel offers full board for its guests when requested. Their European breakfast spread features an impressive selection of cheeses and delicately sliced meats that are often not found in Costa Rica, complemented by freshly baked breads and honey from their local bees.
Nami Santa Teresa - A standout Japanese and sushi restaurant in Santa Teresa with fresh cocktails, tempura, poke and no-rice rolls. The open-air restaurant is perfectly bohemian, and is a place to see and be seen in Santa Teresa.
El Falcon Grill & Bar Santa Teresa - An Argentine open-air steakhouse with live music and a thoughtful cocktail menu. They also have a great burger, if you’re in the mood for something more casual.
Good Munchies Latin Kitchen Santa Teresa — A health food cafe with smoothies, salads, arepas and bowls laden with avocados. Come here hungry and leave refreshed.
Kura Boutique Hotel - Similar to Origins Lodge, Kura offers full board for its guests. Both lunch and dinner are a full three-course experience with an appetizer, main and dessert.
El Silencio Lodge and Spa - El Silencio is another Relais and Chateaux property located in Costa Rica’s misty Cloud Forest. Peruvian-Italian Head Chef Robert Álvarez Pianto expertly crafts fresh and locally-sourced organic dishes served in a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest.
Need to know
These exclusive hotels are known for their bespoke touches and impeccable hospitality, and are best booked several months in advance. Combine the properties to see a variety of landscapes around Costa Rica. Contact me to learn more about each one and to inquire about availability.
Travel Advisor
Anna Ingoglia
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.